What goes wrong
We handle the common residential problems people call about: a deadbolt that won’t turn, a latch that binds after the door settles, a broken key stuck in a cylinder, or a jamb split where the strike sits. We look at the bolt and the strike, test the cylinder, and check the door swing and frame for gaps or misalignment. If a key snaps, we extract the fragment and inspect the remaining teeth. In Audubon and nearby towns like Trooper we carry the tools and replacement cylinders commonly used on wood and metal doors.
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What the job involves
When we come to a house we drive out from our base in Havertown and work where the lock is. We usually begin by confirming how the hardware is fitted: single- or double-cylinder deadbolts, knob or lever sets, mortise locks, and the type of strike plate. For doors with reinforced strikes or long-throw deadbolts we check screws and the framing. If the lock is corroded or the plug is worn, we may rekey the cylinder or replace it. We explain the mechanical options and what each change does to the way the door locks and unlocks.
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Good to know
While we work, customers should keep kids and pets away from the door area and have identification ready if the house is occupied. If the lockout involves a tenant and landlord, have the lease or contact info accessible. If you suspect the doorframe is rotten or the door itself is warped, point that out before we begin. We may need access to the interior hardware for a changeout, or to check the strike from inside; having someone available to open interior doors or move furniture can speed the assessment and let us focus on the lock components.
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Worth knowing
We supply and install cylinders, thumbturns, reinforced strikes, and full locksets suited to the door and frame material. When we rekey, we replace the internal pin stack and cut new keys to match the new shear line. For broken latches we remove the faceplate and fit a replacement that matches the backset and bore, and for mortise parts we extract the case and fit a new mortise lock body. We discuss whether a heavier bolt, longer screws into solid framing, or a different strike geometry will better secure the door before we start any permanent work.
